GEORGE TOWN, December 21 – Despite completing underwater welding operations, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) is grappling with a continuing leak in the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline. After initiating water pumping at 11.40 am, a leak surfaced on the water’s exterior, prompting PBAPP to take immediate action. While PBAPP will continue supplying treated water to Penang Island’s South-West District (DBD) until 8.00 pm today, “Plan B” involves installing a clamped steel plate to contain the persistent leak.
PBAPP’s “Plan B” initiative comes into play after the underwater welding process failed to seal the leak in the Sungai Perai underwater pipeline. Despite the identified leak, PBAPP will maintain water supply to DBD residents, although at diminished pressure levels, until 8.00 pm. In anticipation of the planned water supply interruption from 8.00 pm to 8.00 am, residents are advised to replenish water tanks before the stipulated time. PBAPP will deploy an emergency fleet of over 10 water tankers to ensure water distribution to the end-of-line and elevated areas, with schedules communicated through social media.
In a departure from additional underwater welding, PBAPP’s “Plan B” involves deploying a crane and commercial divers to affix a custom-fabricated steel plate and clamp to the leaking section of the 1,350mm pipeline. This strategic move aims to withstand elevated water pressures, with minimal anticipated leakage. Underwater clamping operations, scheduled for 8.30 pm, will commence after the pipeline shutdown at 8.00 pm. The planned water supply interruption will affect around 120,000 DBD consumers, with PBAPP aiming to normalize water supply before 8.00 am on 22 December 2023.
PBAPP expresses regret for any inconvenience caused and attributes the extended repair timeline to the unprecedented challenges of addressing an emergency scenario involving a large-diameter submerged pipeline in a river. The organization acknowledges public patience and understanding, expressing gratitude for the community’s cooperation during this critical period.
